After having the opportunity to sit down with all the candidates and hear their vision for the future, I decided that Austin is the best candidate to move SSMU forward and to rebuild a relationship with the student body that is both engaging, and relevant. He see's the importance in SSMU working on issues such as equity, divestment, and sustainability, but in a way that is relatable to the general student population and that holds SSMU accountable for its decisions. He has the administrative experience to move SSMU's internal operations forward in a way that decreases red tape for student groups, and increases opportunities for student work both at SSMU and around campus. Finally, Austin has excellent ideas on how to work with the University to ensure that we uphold McGill's prestige and remain competitive in Canada and North America.

Austin Johnson is not only a great friend of mine, but also an individual that has always inspired me to become more involved within the McGill community. I can confidently say that I have never met someone as passionate about this school as he is. Austin has immersed himself in numerous facets of the student body life, such as orientation week, campus tours, and his four years of work at SSMU. This is only one of the many reasons why I believe that he is the best candidate for this position. Since the very first day we met, Austin has been nothing short of genuine and approachable. He truly wants the best for the people that surround him, and that is not something I can say about many individuals. Austin is one of the most charismatic, open-minded, organized, responsible and driven individuals I have ever had the pleasure of calling a friend. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that voting for him as President is the only sensible choice.

Austin is incontestably the top candidate running for SSMU president.  I have known Austin for two years and can say without a doubt that he is one of the most genuine, outgoing and caring individuals I have met at McGill.  He is approachable and open-minded, characteristics I see as essential for any leader looking to represent the diverse population that make up McGill’s student body.  I believe that one of the most important aspects of leadership is the ability to engage and connect with others, because without their participation it is difficult to make change. Austin’s inspiring demeanor enables him to engage and interest others in what he is passionate about. A testament to this ability is the fact that he has inspired a countless number of people to campaign on his behalf who normally don’t take part in student politics.  I couldn’t help but join Austin’s campaign team after talking to him about his passion and commitment and seeing the confidence he has in himself to be SSMU president.  He has worked with SSMU for four years, two of which he spent working directly with the president, giving him unrivaled knowledge and experience about the inner workings of SSMU and what exactly it takes to be SSMU president. Austin’s experience, topped by his positive attitude and approachability, gives me absolute certainty in my decision to vote for and endorse him for SSMU president.

In my four years at McGill, I’ve never met anybody that loves this school as much as Austin. His involvement in SSMU, orientation week, and leading campus tours are a testament to how highly he values having a positive impact on both current and potential students through sharing his passion for McGill. He is one of the most hard-working individuals I’ve ever come across, and his ability to juggle a full course load, several jobs on campus, and a social life to envy never ceases to impress me. His organizational and time management skills are evident in all aspects of his life, and are qualities that make a great leader. His caring and concern for others, critical thinking ability, creativity, and love for what he does make him the best candidate to represent our students as SSMU President next year.

Austin Johnson; one of the most genuine people Iʼve ever had the pleasure of befriending. Since first year, Iʼve lived with Austin. My first encounter with Austin was a prime representation of his generous and outgoing personality, and a lasting memory in my mind. Without having even met him face-to-face, when I showed up at residence, he had a written note welcoming me to any of his food and drinks. Since that day, he has always been open-handed and welcoming to myself, and everyone he meets.
But does he have the ability and competence to be our SSMU president? First off, I can quite honestly say heʼs the most organized person I know. His clothes, his room, his pencils and pens, but most importantly, his hats are all organized to utmost perfection (colour coordinated, in pristine condition, and perfectly spaced upon his wall). But in all seriousness, his organizational abilities are second to none when it comes to time management and handling his busy schedule of school, work, and sports.
Not only is he organized, but Austin is hard working and relentless. Anything he sets his mind to, he puts 100% effort in. This campaign period is but one example of his hard work and dedication. Out the door before 7a.m., he makes it his duty to inform everyone in his path that the elections are currently taking place, by educating and encouraging them to vote, whether itʼs for him or his competitors. He doesnʼt return home until 8p.m. most nights and continues to outreach to the McGill community. His motivation is inspiring to say the least.
Austin is a proud McGill student, and his school involvement shows it. He plays on the same intramural hockey team as me, and always brings passion to the rink, in both his exceptional abilities on the ice, and team spirit off. He has also picked up volleyball and plays on an intramural team for that too. More pertinent to the role of SSMU president is his work through SSMU over the past 4 years, both in HR and guiding tours around the campus to potential future students.
I could go on about his outstanding qualities as a friend and candidate for SSMU president, but in my opinion, his portfolio and platform speak for themselves.
Vote for Austin Johnson for SSMU President, your expectations will undoubtedly be exceeded.

Austin n'est pas le type d'étudiant que l'on peut retrouver seul dans l'atmosphère stérile de la cyberthèque ni embouquiner dans ces livres au 6e étage de la bibliothèque Mclennan

Un simple coup d'oeil à son horaire vous impressionnera.  Entre ces nombreuses heures de bénévolat, ces entrainements au gym, sa passion pour le hockey et étudier, il trouve toujours le moment d'aider ces pairs dans les bons et les moins bons moments.  Il est le genre de leader pour lequel on a envie de s'autodépasser parce qu'il croit sincèrement à la valeur ajoutée de chacun.  


En tant qu'étudiante de troisième année à l'université McGill je soutiens la candidature de Austin Johnson, car je crois profondément que la communauté de McGill peut bénéficier de sa discipline et de sa persistance

Austin in not the kind of guy who sits in sterile cybertheque or at the 6th floor of Mclennan library, 

A quick review of his schedule will blow your mind. Between volunteering, training at the gym, cheering for hockey games and studying; he always has 5 min for the team and be up front both in the good and in the bad time.  He's the leader for who you'll make the extra effort because you know that he truly believes in the input of everyone.  

As a U3 Student and voter, I am endorsing Austin Johnson, because I truly believe that McGill community can benefit from his discipline and persistence.

I've known Austin since my very first day at McGill and I can honestly say that he is one of the friendliest, most accepting people I know. After being friends with him for only one week I felt like we had been friends for years. He is very dedicated and hardworking, qualities which I think would make him an exceptional leader for SSMU. I have never heard someone talk about their school with as much passion as Austin talks about McGill. It is not hard to get to know Austin, and I know that if most people spent five minutes talking to him they would realize that he is the best choice for SSMU president. With his experience, new ideas, and outgoing personality there is no other choice for me.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Austin for several years, and I still remember hearing about him for the first time. Everyone always seemed to want to be around him, and within moments of meeting him, I recognized that that feeling was completely warranted. Having gone through nearly 11 years of school together, the last three of which have been spent as roommates, I have come to know Austin on a very personal level. And I can say that, without a doubt, he is the ideal choice for SSMU President. If his extensive experience working at SSMU, his relevant studies at McGill, as well as the great ideas outlined in his platform don’t convince you, I advise that you spend just a few moments with Austin and see if he isn’t someone you want to be around all the time too. Vote Austin!

I have known Austin for the last four years and can honestly say he is one of most driven and hard working people I have ever met. His ability to balance work, school, extracurriculars and a personal life is nothing short of astounding. His honesty, openness and charisma are just some of the qualities that make him the best person to represent McGill students. Austin’s passion for McGill is evident within a few short minutes of speaking with him. Pair his passion with his unparalleled experience working at SSMU, there is no doubt in my mind that Austin is the best choice for SSMU president. He knows how SSMU operates and once elected president can hit the ground running. As this is my last year at McGill, my only regret is that I will not get to experience SSMU under his leadership.

Of the candidates, Austin Johnson offers measurable and relevant ideas. Down to earth and without rhetoric, I am confident Austin would embody the integrity of our student body.

I worked closely with Austin during my term at SSMU and I can confidently say, without reservation or qualification, there is no person better suited to being President next year. 
The President position is both political and intensely administrative. The importance of the latter is often downplayed during elections but cannot be stressed enough. There is a very steep learning curve for any new SSMU executive, especially the President. I can attest to the fact that an inexperienced executive, despite their best efforts, cannot hope to achieve as much as their experienced counterpart and in some cases may destroy value. SSMU is coming off a strong year with the lease just signed and a building fee hopefully going through. The Society is poised for a pivotal growth period and we cannot afford to have a President playing catch-up. We need continuity and experienced leadership at the helm. Austin's first hand knowledge and proven track record dealing with the inner-workings of the most tangible aspects of the President portfolio make him uniquely suited to taking on the challenges of this year and laying a strong foundation for years to come. While the other candidates certainly have some interesting ideas, electing anybody but Austin is doing a disservice to your student body.

I’m very proud to endorse Austin Johnson as SSMU president. Having seen his work ethic and his motivation, I really do believe that he is the best candidate for this position. He has worked on SSMU for many years and has a complete understanding of the workings of the system. I also am convinced that he will put in as much work and time as possible to try and make each student’s experience the best it can possibly be. However, what definitely won me over was the way he maintains the balance in his life, between sports, extracurricular activities and his work. He would certainly be able to take on all the responsibilities that come with being SSMU president. Austin is clearly very qualified and appropriate for this position so vote Austin for SSMU president.

I've gotten to know Austin this year through working together as SSMU employees. He has shown time and again that he is firm when necessary, open to input from all directions, and an overall example of a great team leader. I can't imagine SSMU being anything short of both innovative and efficient under his supervision.

As a third year student who has never voted in the SSMU elections, I once again wasn't planning to vote this year. However, when Austin Johnson presented himself in my classroom, he didn't carry on about all he promises to accomplish. Instead, he emphasized that the outcome of the election is very important to McGill students and that the SSMU president is responsible for handling a $2 million budget. He won my vote because he told us to make sure to vote regardless of whether or not it was for him, which showed that he genuinely cared about the fate of the school.

In many ways, the position of SSMU President is a thankless, complicated job—you’re blamed when things go wrong, and people rarely notice when you do a good job. You have to listen to student complaints and respond in an unbiased manner, deal with institutional pressure, and speak to the media on a regular basis without being quoted out of context. When it comes down to it, the SSMU President is a human resources position, and it just makes sense to elect someone who has been studying and working as an HR professional for the past two years. Austin has great working relationships with many of the candidates and permanent staff, and I think he’d be a great representative of our university. Most importantly, the SSMU President must be a wearer of many hats, and Austin owns fifteen.

Up until yesterday, I was conflicted as to whom I would vote for in the upcoming SSMU elections. However after watching the SSMU debates, I strongly believe that Austin is the best candidate for the presidential position.  Austin’s extensive HR experience, realistic goals, and professionalism were extremely impressive.  During the debate he stood out not just because of his experience, but also his genuine passion and interest in the students of McGill.  Upon meeting him, it was highly evident that he embodies what it means to be a leader.  Being involved in campus politics as the VP external of the Bachelor of Arts and Science Integrative Council, I believe that Austin has the experience, personality, and motivation necessary to fill this position.

I could say something about Austin as a friend. I also could tell you regarding us having worked together in New Rez Student Council, one of his first moments of student involvement at McGill. However, I want to say something about Austin, my friendly neighbour: One of the first months of first year, Austin contacted me. He found a Hot Wings deal for 10 cents each, but to make it a reality we needed a minimum number of customers. So, within the same week he organized as many people as he could to go share the joy that was super cheap hot wings! But I was only a part this because I was lucky enough to be his neighbour - I was only two doors away. Now he wants to be everyone’s neighbour, doing something good everyday for everyone in McGill. And I can only say how lucky McGill community would actually be to have Austin there to care for them all.

I have had the pleasure of working with Austin at SSMU in several respects and with confidence say that he is in excellent standing to take over position of President next year at SSMU. He is confident, competent, respectful, and earnestly interested in the work the President’s portfolio presides over. His administrative skills are by far the strongest among all candidates, having worked as an HR Coordinator at SSMU for the past 4 years. During the work I undertook opening the Student-Run Café last semester, Austin went above and beyond his call of duty at SSMU to ensure that the café opened on time and in the best way possible. His commitment to this cause without any call or requirement demonstrates his true commitment to SSMU, the student body, and his fellow employers. I’m voting for him; you should too!

Having had the pleasure of working with Austin, in the SSMU office and at Gerts, I am confident that he will deliver as SSMU President. He has a solid understanding of the important issues in this complex portfolio after having been around or directly involved with them the past two years. In his platform, Austin has proposed creative and reasonable solutions to these issues, which will help SSMU thrive in the coming year. 

It is truly an honor to formally endorse Austin Johnson for SSMU president. After knowing Austin personally for many years, and working with him closely during this past Orientation Week, I can confidently say that Austin is not only the most qualified candidate, but also one of the most capable and hard-working individuals I have had the pleasure of getting to know. His detailed platforms, open-mind, and passion for school spirit will impact lasting change and improvement to our University. His experience working in SSMU for the past four years give him a unique insight into the daily happenings and issues involved, which is unparalleled by the other candidates. As a graduating student this semester, I am excited to see how the McGill student body can benefit from Austin as their president, and I trust Austin to not only cherish the renowned reputation of McGill, but also create concrete improvements under his leadership.

Having had the opportunity to work with Austin this past year during Orientation Week, I have seen his incredible passion for student life and tireless work ethic first-hand. Always being the first to offer help, and take a leadership role when things needed to get done, I truly believe the event would not have been such a great success without him. I have also had the pleasure of working with Austin in the SSMU office throughout the year, always offering his help and insights on making the General Assembly a more prominent and successful event, demonstrating his firm conviction and genuine belief in students’ right to voice their opinions. I can’t think of anyone more qualified for the presidential position, and Austin’s vast experience with SSMU will allow him to step in and make an immediate impact.

I can say with confidence that Austin Johnson is the best candidate for SSMU President. I have worked with Austin in a variety of environments (including Bar des Arts, Frosh, and a few others), and I know that he will be phenomenal in office. He is not only a great friend, but also a reliable, flexible, and strong leader. 

I am honored to endorse Austin Johnson for the 2014 SSMU Presidency. I have had the chance to work with Austin on many occasions, and I must say I have rarely met someone as honest, kind and helpful. His resourcefulness is unparalleled, and his desire to go above and beyond new challenges is uplifting and encouraging. He knows how to involve people in activities and lead them towards a common objective successfully, while keeping a clear idea of the task to accomplish, and using his skills and past experiences to achieve that goal. I am confident that Austin will thrive and excel as president of SSMU, as he has already shown his abilities ins previous experiences with the association.

Having worked with Austin in multiple capacities during my time at McGill, I can say without a doubt no more qualified a candidate exists for the office of SSMU President. Not only is Austin a great team leader and a good friend, but he also has an unparalleled knowledge of the inner workings of McGill.

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Austin for the past two years where we both fundraised and organized for Queens’ annual Cure Cancer Classic hockey tournament. Austin proved essential not only to our fundraising contributions but also to the overall coordination of our team’s tournament experience by acting as McGill liaison and ensuring all the necessary requirements were in order. With that being said, these just highlight a few of the instances where Austin’s leadership and character have made real positive impacts throughout our friendship and I can confidently say I can not think of any individual better suited to act as SSMU President.